A bow drill fire set, or starter is an ancient way of starting fire when you have no other options.

Knowing this skill is one that you should hope you never have to use, except as practice, but knowing how to do it could be a life-saver.

The technique used in this video is purposely geared towards the 18th century and today's survival tools make constructing and using a bow drill set much easier than when early American woods and mountain men would have used them.

Nonetheless, seeing something “made from scratch” gives you insight as to how to use this remarkable tool if you find yourself with no other fire starting alternatives.